Introduction to Physical Oceanography

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the role of the physical ocean variability in the earth’s climate system
• Understand the range of time and space scales that exist from small scale mixing processes, O(sec, cm) to the global ocean circulation, O(1000years, 10000km).
• Be able to sample the physical components of an estuarine system
• Apply your knowledge and understanding to solve mathematical problems related to physical oceanography.
• Understand the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and its link to global climate variability and change
• To demonstrate awareness of methods to sample the physical variables of the ocean system
• Be able to analyse and interpret datasets of physical components of an estuarine system
• Understand the physical processes that control the distribution of water properties and the movement of those properties in the ocean.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• problem solving.
• team working at sea;
• report writing on fieldwork;
• time management;

Topics covered will include: the physical properties of sea water, the dynamics of wind-driven ocean circulation, description of the thermohaline circulation and the role of the ocean in climate variability.

Teaching and learning methods

Formal Lectures: 20 x 50 minute lectures will provide an introduction to the theory underlying the physics of the ocean. Each lecture systematically covers the main concepts and topics via a mixture of PowerPoint presentations, white-board equations and overheads. Lectures are supported by illustrated handout materials. Where relevant, the lecturer's own research experience is brought into the lecturing sessions. References to the applicable chapter of course text and/or relevant journal articles are provided as supplementary reading for each lecture.

Practical Sessions: 2 x 50 minute tutorials on mathematical notation and methods.

Support: 7 x 50 minute tutorials covering mathematical problems and their solutions will be offered.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Pond, S. and G. L. Pickard. Introductory Dynamic Oceanography.

Gill, A. E. Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics.

Lacombe, H. Cours D'Oceanographie Physique.

Open University. Ocean Circulation.

Stewart, R. H. Introduction to Physical Oceanography.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External